The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has condemned the acts of torture and violence meted out against BBS TV journalist Ivan Mbadhi by Uganda security personnel attached to the Joint Anti-Terrorism (JAT) unit on Monday, 5th January, while he was lawfully executing his professional duties in Kween District, Sebei Sub-region.
According to a statement signed by Emmanuel Kirunda, the UJA Secretary General, Mbadhi was on assignment covering campaign activities of National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) when the incident occurred.
Kirunda explains that Mbadhi was travelling in a media field van together with other journalists when he noticed a commander of the security personnel—whose identity is yet to be established—allegedly attempting to spray pepper spray into the vehicle. This action forced the occupants to flee the van. Mbadhi immediately exited the vehicle and proceeded to record the incident using his camera.
“Two JAT personnel instantly rounded him up and began brutally assaulting him—boxing him heavily in the stomach, kicking him, and repeatedly smashing his head against a parked vehicle,” Kirunda said. “As a result, Mbadhi sustained serious injuries and continues to suffer severe pain in his ribs, head, and other parts of his body.”
UJA notes that such acts constitute a blatant violation of the constitutional rights to freedom of the press and access to information, as guaranteed under Articles 29(1)(a) and 41 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. Security forces, as public institutions funded by taxpayers, are mandated to uphold the law and remain accountable to public scrutiny, not operate above it.
Therefore, the Association views this attack as a deliberate attempt to silence independent journalism and shield errant security officers from public accountability—actions that undermine democracy, good governance, and the rule of law which the state is duty-bound to protect.
Although the officers involved concealed their identities during the incident, footage captured by Mbadhi clearly shows the face of the commanding officer. This evidence will aid UJA’s legal team in ongoing investigations and guide planned legal action against the individual perpetrators under the Human Rights Enforcement Act and the Constitution. UJA draws reference to the November 2024 landmark judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Boniface Wamala in Miscellaneous Cause No. 64 of 2021, where UJA, alongside journalists Timothy Murungi and Henry Sekanjako, successfully sued the Attorney General and eight individual UPDF officers, including Lt. Col. Napoleon Namanya.
UJA reminds the leadership of the security agencies that journalists carry a constitutional obligation to inform citizens about matters affecting their lives and the nation. Any attempt to restrict media access to public information is an affront to the sovereignty of the people and a dangerous regression in Uganda’s democratic journey.
The Uganda Journalists Association stands in full solidarity with Ivan Mbadhi and will continue to pursue justice on his behalf.
UJA further reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending press freedom, promoting ethical journalism, and holding duty bearers accountable.
